A MONTH long series of career events taking place at the University of Ulster are to ensure students at the university have a competitive edge in the job market, according to a leading academic.
Dr Lisa Bradley, head of the department of international business at Ulster’s Magee campus, said so as she was speaking before more than 2,400 students, 182 exhibitors and 17 guest speakers take part in careers fairs planned over this term.
“Within the Ulster Business School, we are committed to ensuring that our students have a competitive edge in the job market and have worked tirelessly to develop excellent programmes of study alongside our local, national and international industry partners,” she said.
“Events such as these play an important role in providing valuable information and contacts for our students, allowing them to showcase their skills and abilities in an increasingly competitive environment.
“At the same time, they give potential employers the chance to engage directly with the employees of tomorrow.”
Organised by the employability and marketing team, the careers fairs are seen as an important mechanism for strengthening engagement with businesses, enhancing student and graduate employability and promoting Ulster’s portfolio of programmes.
Maria Curran, head of employability said: “The university, in the development and delivery of its programmes, has always sought to provide ‘work ready’ graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on challenging graduate level jobs and/or further study.
“As the economy slowly gains momentum and begins to strengthen, we are committed to ensuring that Ulster students are best placed to benefit from emerging career opportunities.
“Through these fairs, we hope to create a forum for our students to meet and network with potential employers and to think carefully about their future career options.”
Following the Jordanstown fairs, Sarah Milliken, graduate recruitment specialist with Citi, said: “We welcome the opportunity to engage with the students from the University of Ulster, at both the careers fairs and events.
“As a large graduate employer these events provide us with a great platform to learn more about the students as well as promoting Citi as a graduate employer of choice.”